Scientific institutions should work for development of nearby villages: HRD Minister

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Union Minister for Human Resources and Development (HRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wedbesday made an appeal to the scientific institutions to participate in holistic development of the country, saying that it was their responsibility to work for the development of nearby villages.

He added that the industry and education sector should collaborate so that job-oriented education could be provided.

The Minister was chairing a meeting with the directors of all the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur.

"While addressing the participants, the Minister said that NITs are one of the best institutions for providing technical education, so they have to foucus on qualitative and research-based education. He said that technical education and research must be focused on solution of fundamental problems," a department release said.

He added that combination of scientific temperament and research will be the foundation stone for a New India. Citing the example of USA and European countries, Pokhriyal said that technical institutions have played a major role in transforming thoughts of social and economic development into reality.

He urged for making a strong alumni network on the lines of Harvard and Yale and said this will not only encourage the students for innovative research, but also help in generating resources.

"Highlighting the importance of independent competitive atmosphere in the country, the Minister said that the country needs to establish India on the global education platform. He urged for good research in basic science," the release said.

"To fulfil the expectations of 130 crore citizens, all the scientific institutions have to work with full dedication and mission mode," the release quoted Pokhriyal as saying.